As the world continues to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, many Las Vegas residents are becoming ill with the virus. People who are no longer able to work are wondering if they can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) after they test COVID-19 positive. While many people recover from the symptoms of COVID-19 within two to three weeks, some people who contract the virus suffer from debilitating symptoms for months.
If you need to apply for disability benefits after being diagnosed with COVID-19, we can help. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we understand how difficult the coronavirus has been for many Las Vegas families. We are ready to help you apply for SSDI benefits. Contact Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas as soon as possible to speak to an experienced SSDI lawyer today.
Are You Unable to Work Due to Your Coronavirus Symptoms?
Workplaces are not allowing employees to come to work if they are showing any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. While these policies protect the public, they make it impossible for many people who become infected with the coronavirus to work and provide for themselves and their families. People who have been severely affected by coronavirus may benefit from applying for SSDI benefits.
Doctors Are Uncertain Regarding the Long-Term Consequences of Coronavirus
Doctors and scientists are still learning as much as they can about the novel coronavirus. While some COVID-19 positive patients show very few symptoms, if any, others show severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fevers. In some patients who’ve recovered from coronavirus, doctors have seen permanent lung damage. Other patients suffer debilitating neurological symptoms that make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to engage in simple tasks like writing their names.
If you are seeking SSDI benefits for complications caused by the coronavirus, it is important that you focus on showing the severity of your symptoms and how they negatively impact you. You will need to show that your symptoms will have a long-term disabling effect on you. People who review claims for the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look for medical evidence demonstrating that your symptoms will last longer than a year and make it difficult, if not impossible, to continue working.
At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, our lawyers understand what it takes for the SSA to consider a medical condition disabling. We can help you gather all of the medical documentation you need to give you the best chance of success with your SSDI application. Doctors have categorized COVID-19 symptoms as mild, moderate, and severe. Some of the more severe symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:
- The development of severe lung disease requiring oxygen support
- The development of septic shock that can lead to stroke and organ failure
- Life-threatening pneumonia
- Organ failure
- Coughing
- Inability to get out of bed
- Inability to climb a flight of stairs
- Dehydration
- Persistent neurological symptoms
- Bacterial infections
- Lung tissue death and inflammation
- Shortness of breath
Applying for Disability After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19
The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members. SSA will only approve your application if you meet both the non-medical and the medical requirements. Applicants need to prove that their medical condition is expected to last at least one year, or that it can result in death. If the SSA approves your application, you will receive monthly cash benefits. Currently, all SSA offices in Las Vegas are closed to the public. We don’t recommend mailing your application. You can apply online for SSDI benefits. We recommend hiring an experienced SSDI lawyer to help you through the process.
SSA claims reviewers will deny your claim if they find any inaccuracies or incomplete information. At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we can walk you through the process of completing an application. We focus our entire law firm on helping people obtain SSI and SSDI benefits and we can help you prepare your application.
Qualifying for Disability with COVID-19 Symptoms
As mentioned above, medical professionals are still working to understand all of the ways that the COVID-19 virus can impact people. Our disability lawyers are keenly aware that qualifying for SSDI benefits is a complicated process. Trying to prove that you are sufficiently disabled due to the coronavirus is even more overwhelming.
At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we can help you submit evidence supporting your claim. You will need to meet the following qualifications to qualify for SSDI benefits:
- Your age is between 18 and 65
- You cannot work due to a qualifying medical impairment
- Your qualifying medical impairment prevents you from working
- You’ve earned enough “work credits” based on the years you’ve worked and your age
If you meet these basic requirements, SSA will consider your medical disability. You will need to demonstrate that the symptoms you suffer from coronavirus are severe and long-term. Your symptoms need to last at least one year or result in your death. You will also need to show that your coronavirus symptoms prevent you from performing any type of “substantial gainful activity.”
COVID-19 and the Social Security Blue Book
The Social Security Administration keeps a list of qualifying medical conditions in the Blue Book. COVID-19 is not included as a qualifying medical impairment in the Blue Book because it is so new. Nonetheless, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits, even if your impairment isn’t listed. A disability examiner will look at all of the evidence you submit in your application to determine whether your condition is medically equivalent in severity to one of the listed impairments.
Contact Our Experienced Las Vegas SSDI Lawyers Today
If you are unable to work for a long period due to COVID-19 symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation. The sooner you speak to an experienced Las Vegas SSDI lawyer, the better. We will review your case and help you navigate your options from an SSDI/SSI perspective. Our clients don’t pay us until we obtain benefits for them. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.